International Entrepreneur Rule: Startup Founder Guide

What is the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER)?

The International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) is a U.S. immigration program that grants qualified startup founders a temporary permission to live and work in the United States to grow their companies. Unlike a traditional work visa, the IER is a parole program - a discretionary authorization by the Department of Homeland Security - that allows foreign entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. without a visa, if their startup has significant potential to create jobs and innovation. In essence, it’s the closest thing the U.S. currently has to a “startup visa.” The program was first introduced in 2017 and, after some political back-and-forth, is currently in effect (revived fully in 2021) for founders to use.

Under the IER, up to three co-founders of a startup can be granted parole to live in the U.S. to build their company. Parole is given in increments of 2.5 years (30 months), with the possibility of one extension for a total of up to 5 years in the U.S.. While on parole, the entrepreneur can work only for their own startup - you cannot use this status to work at a different company or take a side job. However, your spouse (if also paroled into the U.S. as a dependent) is eligible to apply for a work permit and can work for any employer. (Children can live in the U.S. on parole as well, but cannot work.) This makes the International Entrepreneur Rule an attractive option for startup founders who don’t fit into typical work visa categories like H-1B or O-1.

Why was the IER created? The rule was designed to fill a gap in the U.S. immigration system. The U.S. has no dedicated startup founder visa in its immigration law. Many talented entrepreneurs struggled to stay in the U.S. because they didn’t qualify for existing work visas that usually require an employer-sponsor. The IER uses the government’s parole authority to allow promising foreign entrepreneurs to stay temporarily if their startup can benefit the U.S. economy through innovation, investment, and job creation. It’s important to note that parole is discretionary and not a visa or a guarantee of permanent residence. But it can be a critical lifeline for early-stage startup founders to launch in the U.S. market and later transition to a longer-term status.

Eligibility Criteria for International Entrepreneur Parole

To be approved under the International Entrepreneur Rule, you and your startup must meet several eligibility criteria defined by DHS regulations. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

• Recent U.S. Startup Entity: You must have a startup organization formed within the last 5 years in the United States. Older established companies won’t qualify - the business should be relatively new.
• Significant Ownership & Active Role: As the entrepreneur applicant, you need to hold a substantial ownership stake in the startup (at least 10% at the initial parole application), and at least 5% if applying for a renewal later. You also must have a central and active role in the company’s operations - essentially, you should be one of the main drivers of the business (for example, a CEO, CTO, or similar leadership role). Passive investors are not eligible; you have to be actively engaged in growing the startup.
• Significant U.S. Investment or Funding: The startup must have demonstrated its potential for rapid growth and job creation by receiving significant capital. There are two primary financial benchmarks (recently updated for inflation in 2024):
  • Investment from U.S. investors: At least $285,000 USD (originally $250k, adjusted to $285k+) in investments from qualified U.S. investors - these are established U.S. venture capital firms, angel investors, or other investors with a track record of successful investments.
  • Government grants or awards: Or at least $100,000 USD (originally $100k, now about $120k) in grants or awards from U.S. federal, state, or local government entities (for example, research grants, economic development grants).
• The investment/grant must be within the 18 months prior to applying. These financial criteria show that credible third parties believe in the startup’s potential. Note: In October 2024, USCIS raised these thresholds to keep up with inflation (about $311k from investors, or $124k in grants). We’ve used approximate figures here - always check the latest amounts when you apply.
• Alternative Evidence of Startup Potential: What if your startup hasn’t hit those exact dollar figures? The rule allows some flexibility. If you partially meet the funding criteria, you can still qualify by providing “reliable and compelling evidence” that your startup has substantial potential to rapidly grow and create jobs. This could include things like: strong revenue growth, a large user base or traction, valuable intellectual property (patents), participation in prestigious startup accelerators, letters from experts, etc. In other words, if you didn’t raise enough money yet but have other solid indicators that your company is taking off, you can make your case. USCIS will look at the totality of the evidence.
• Public Benefit and Discretion: Ultimately, DHS must be convinced that letting you stay through this program will provide a significant public benefit to the U.S. (usually via your startup’s economic impact) and that you merit a favorable exercise of discretion. This is somewhat subjective - even if you check all the boxes, USCIS can deny parole if it has concerns (for example, security issues or doubts about the business). Conversely, even if you don’t perfectly meet one of the criteria, strong evidence in other areas could sway an approval.

To summarize the eligibility: you need a recent U.S. startup that you own and lead, and that startup should have either gotten a sizable injection of U.S. investor money or government funding. If that’s only partly true, you’ll need to show other evidence of high growth potential. If you can satisfy these requirements, you may be granted parole for up to 30 months to run your startup in the U.S.

How to Apply for the International Entrepreneur Rule

Applying for IER involves a special application to USCIS and, if approved, a parole process to actually enter or stay in the U.S.:

1. File Form I-941 with USCIS: The official application is Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole. It must be filed with USCIS, along with a filing fee of $1,200 and a biometrics fee of $85 (for background checks). You will need to include a variety of supporting documents to prove all the eligibility points discussed:

• Proof your startup is a U.S. entity formed within 5 years (e.g. incorporation documents).
• Evidence of your ownership stake (cap table, stock certificates) and your role (letters from the board, job title, duties).
• Evidence of the investments or grants: e.g. term sheets, investment agreements, bank statements showing funds received; copies of grant award letters or contracts.
• Evidence that the investors meet the “qualified investor” criteria (like documentation of their past successful investments, perhaps investor letters).
• If using alternative criteria, all the evidence of the startup’s potential - business plans, growth metrics, media articles, patents, accelerator demo day invites, etc.
• Your personal information (passport copies, etc.) and any other required forms.

The form instructions detail what to include. It’s wise to provide a cover letter or summary that clearly explains how you meet each requirement, with references to the evidence. Essentially, you are building a case file similar to a visa petition, demonstrating that your startup is promising and you are essential to it. Many founders work with an immigration attorney to prepare a strong package, given the stakes and the complexity of evidence.

2. Wait for USCIS Decision: After filing, USCIS may take several months to process the I-941 (processing times can vary; check the USCIS website for current estimates). There is no premium processing for I-941 as of now, so you can’t pay to expedite. During this time, USCIS might issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they think something is missing or not convincing. If that happens, you’ll have a chance to respond with additional documentation. An approval of the I-941 is essentially a conditional approval for parole - you’re not fully done yet.

3. Obtain Travel Documentation (Boarding Foil) and Parole Entry: Approval of the I-941 by USCIS does not automatically grant you parole in the U.S.uscis.gov. If you are outside the U.S., you will need to take the USCIS approval notice to a U.S. embassy or consulate to request entry documentation (often a boarding foil or similar). Then, when you travel to a U.S. port of entry (airport), a Customs and Border Protection officer will make the final parole decision and, if all is in order, “parole” you into the U.S. for the specified duration. Essentially, your first arrival after USCIS approval is when parole is officially given. If you are already in the U.S. (perhaps in another status) when your I-941 is approved, USCIS will issue instructions to obtain parole documents or you may need to depart and re-enter. The process can be a bit nuanced, so plan accordingly.

Once paroled in, you will receive an I-94 record indicating your parole status and expiration date (typically 30 months from the date of entry). Keep this safe; it’s proof of your legal status.

4. Spouse and Children Parole: Your spouse and kids (under 21) can also request parole as dependents. They file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with fee, either together with your I-941 or after. Upon approval, they will get travel documents and be paroled into the U.S. as well (with the same end date as yours). Notably, the spouse can then apply for a work permit (Form I-765 for Employment Authorization) once in the U.S.. This work authorization for the spouse is a great benefit - it’s open-market, meaning the spouse can work for any employer or even the startup. Children on parole cannot work but can attend school.

5. Re-Parole (Extension) Application: If you approach the end of the 30-month period and your startup is doing well, you can apply for a one-time re-parole (extension) for up to another 30 months (to total 5 years max). You’ll need to file another I-941 before the first period expires, showing that the startup continues to provide significant public benefit. The extension criteria require showing the startup either:

• Raised more money: at least $500,000+ from investors (threshold now about $622k as updated), or
• Created jobs: at least 5 full-time jobs in the U.S., or
• Reached substantial revenue: at least $500k+ annual revenue with 20% growth (updated to ~$622k).

In other words, to renew, you have to show the company made major progress in its first 2.5 years (which is the goal of the program). If you only partially meet those, again you can try to show other compelling evidence of continued potential. If approved, you get another 2.5 years. 5 years is the absolute limit under IER - after that, you cannot reapply for more parole through this program.

6. What Happens After Parole Ends: Since the International Entrepreneur Parole is temporary, you should plan for a long-term solution if you want to stay beyond the parole period. Many entrepreneurs use the parole time to find a more permanent visa or green card pathway. For example, while running your startup you might:

• Have your company sponsor you for an O-1 visa (for extraordinary ability) or an H-1B visa (if you become eligible and win the H-1B lottery) as a more lasting work status.
• Pursue a green card via the EB-2 National Interest Waiver program (a common strategy for entrepreneurs, since it lets you self-petition for permanent residence if your work has broad economic benefit).
• If your startup grows significantly, you might qualify for an EB-1A Extraordinary Ability green card or EB-1C multinational executive green card (if you also have a branch abroad and meet criteria).

The bottom line: IER does not directly lead to a green card. Parole is not immigrant status. You must transition to a visa or green card category before your parole expires if you intend to stay. Make sure to start that process well in advance. Many founders will consult with an immigration attorney early on to map out a plan (for example, if pursuing an EB-2 NIW green card, you might begin assembling that petition after a year of progress on parole).

International Entrepreneur Rule Updates and News

The International Entrepreneur Rule has had a bumpy history and continues to evolve. Here are some important updates and facts to be aware of:

• Program Restoration in 2021: The IER was almost eliminated under the previous administration. In 2017, the rule’s implementation was delayed, and there was a proposal to rescind it. However, a court ruled in late 2017 that the delay was improper, and the program quietly went into effect. Still, USCIS under the Trump administration was slow to promote it. In May 2021, under the Biden administration, DHS officially announced it would keep and fully implement the International Entrepreneur Rule. This was a green light for entrepreneurs to start using it. If you heard mixed news in the past: as of today, the program is alive and accepting applications.
• Low Uptake Initially: Since it was new and somewhat uncertain for a while, relatively few entrepreneurs have used the IER so far. Between FY 2017 and 2022, there were fewer than 100 applications in total. According to USCIS data, from FY 2017 through FY 2021, 94 entrepreneurs applied, 26 were approved, 28 denied, and the rest pending or withdrawn. This means the approval rate for early applicants was around 48% (26 out of 54 decided cases). Those numbers are not high, but keep in mind the sample size was small and the program was not well-known for years. We expect more founders to apply now that the program’s future looks stable. USCIS has indicated a growing number of applications since 2021.
• Increased Investment Thresholds (2024): As mentioned, DHS issued a rule raising the dollar thresholds to account for inflation. These new amounts took effect on Oct 1, 2024 (FY 2025). For example, the investment requirement went from $250,000 to about $285,000 (and for future applicants after Oct 2024, it’s $311,000). The next automatic adjustment will be in 2027 (every three years). Always check the latest Form I-941 instructions or USCIS website for the current criteria before applying.
• USCIS Guidance and Clarifications: In 2023, USCIS updated its Policy Manual to provide more guidance on the IER, including how the “compelling evidence” provision works and confirming the three-year review of investment criteria. These clarifications make it a bit easier to understand how to satisfy the requirements. USCIS has also published Frequently Asked Questions on its website, which are worth reviewing if you plan to apply.
• No Cap, No Lottery: Unlike the H-1B visa or certain other categories, the International Entrepreneur parole has no annual cap. There is no fixed number of slots per year. Each case is judged on its own merits. This means if you qualify, you don’t have to worry about competing in a lottery or the program running out of spots. That said, the adjudication is case-by-case and discretionary.
• Comparison to Proposed Startup Visa: There have been ongoing discussions in Congress about creating a true “Startup Visa” (a new visa category for entrepreneurs). While there is broad support in the tech community, no such visa has become law yet. Until that happens, the IER is essentially a temporary workaround. It’s not perfect - it doesn’t give permanent status - but it’s currently the only dedicated pathway for foreign startup founders to come to the U.S. and build their companies.

Staying on top of these updates is important. Immigration rules can change, and as a founder, you want to ensure you’re meeting the latest requirements. The good news is that, for now, the International Entrepreneur Rule is here and growing, giving international founders a shot at the U.S. market.

Alternatives to the International Entrepreneur Rule

Because IER is a temporary solution, startup founders should be aware of alternative visa options and possibly pursue them in parallel. Depending on your situation, one of these might be viable instead of or in addition to IER:

• O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability): If you have an outstanding track record in your field (for example, notable awards, media coverage, high-profile achievements), the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability could be an option. O-1 visas are often used by startup founders who have built a strong resume (publications, patents, significant tech contributions, etc.). The O-1 lets you stay initially for up to 3 years and can be extended, and it’s a true visa (with dual intent allowed) that can lead to a green card (via EB-1A) later. However, the bar is high - you need to document at least 3 major accomplishments or criteria to qualify. (We cover the O-1 in detail in Blog 3 of this series.)
• H-1B Visa (Work Visa with Employer Sponsor): Some founders secure an H-1B visa by essentially being sponsored by their own startup. The H-1B is a common work visa that requires a job offer in a “specialty occupation” (and a bachelor’s degree). It is possible for a founder to get an H-1B through their startup if the company is established enough to be the employer and if measures are taken to show a legitimate employer-employee relationship (often by having a board that can supervise the founder). H-1Bs allow up to 6 years in the U.S. and can lead to a green card. The downsides: H-1Bs are subject to a lottery each year due to high demand and a cap of 85,000 new visas. If your startup doesn’t win an H-1B in the lottery (which has odds around 1 in 3 currently), IER or other options might be the fallback. Also, H-1B has prevailing wage requirements and other regulations that can be tricky for very early-stage companies.
• E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor): If you have substantial funding and the right nationality, the E-2 visa is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs. The E-2 allows you to invest a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business and run it. It’s available only to citizens of countries that have an E-2 treaty with the U.S. (there are about 80 such countries - notably India and China are not on the list). There’s no fixed minimum investment, but typically at least $100K+ is recommended, and it must be an active business. The E-2 is renewable indefinitely (in 2 to 5-year increments) as long as the business is operating, but it does not lead to a green card by itself. It’s great for founders who have capital and treaty citizenship - for example, many founders from Canada or Europe use E-2. If you qualify, an E-2 can sometimes be a better option than IER because it’s more straightforward and not discretionary. (See our E-2 Visa guide for more details on requirements and how it compares.)
• L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee): If you have already started your company abroad and it’s been operating for over a year, you might use the L-1 visa to transfer yourself to a U.S. office. The L-1 is designed for multinational companies to move executives or specialized employees to the U.S. branch. For startup founders, the “new office L-1” is an option: you set up a U.S. subsidiary or affiliate of your foreign company and then transfer yourself as an executive (L-1A) to launch the U.S. operations. The L-1A can be extended up to 7 years and even has a direct green card path (EB-1C) if the company grows. The challenge is you must have a foreign entity that you’ve worked at for ≥1 year and sufficient funding to start the U.S. entity. This works for more mature startups that began abroad. Notably, no annual cap on L-1, and it’s a visa (dual intent allowed), so it can be more durable than parole. We have a detailed L-1 Visa Guide available which explains this route.
• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Green Card: This is a permanent residence path rather than a nonimmigrant visa. The EB-2 NIW allows certain foreign nationals to self-petition for a green card if they have advanced degrees or exceptional ability and their work has substantial merit and national importance. Entrepreneurs have started using NIWs to get green cards by demonstrating that their startup’s work (for example, in technology, healthcare, etc.) is in the U.S. national interest (creating jobs, innovation, benefiting the economy). Unlike other EB-2 cases, you don’t need an employer sponsor or a labor certification if you qualify for the waiver of the job offer requirement. The NIW green card can take 1-3 years, but it grants permanent residence. A founder can even pursue an NIW while on IER parole (parole won’t prevent you from applying for a green card, since it’s not a visa that requires nonimmigrant intent). If you have strong qualifications (e.g. graduate degree, some industry recognition) and your startup is tackling a significant problem, NIW is worth exploring as a long-term plan. (Our EB-2/NIW guide covers this in depth.)
• Other Options: Depending on the situation, there are other avenues like the O-1 visa mentioned (great for highly accomplished founders), an EB-5 investor green card if you have substantial capital ($1+ million usually) to invest and create 10 jobs, or sometimes niche programs (for example, a J-1 visa for entrepreneurs in training programs, though that often comes with a 2-year residency requirement). Some founders who are international students spin their status from F-1 student visa (with OPT) to another status as the company grows. Each path has pros and cons - often founders will use IER as a stopgap while concurrently trying for one of these more permanent statuses.

In practice, it’s wise to consult with an immigration lawyer to see which combination of pathways maximizes your chance to stay in the U.S. long term. IER might be the quickest way to jump over initially, but think of it as part of a broader immigration strategy for you and your startup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the International Entrepreneur Rule

Q: Is the International Entrepreneur Rule still available in 2025? A: Yes. After some uncertainty in its early years, the International Entrepreneur Rule is fully in effect as of 2025. The Biden administration affirmed the program in 2021, and USCIS has been accepting and adjudicating applications. In fact, USCIS has even updated the program’s criteria (investment amounts, etc.) to keep it current. Founders can confidently apply for IER today if they meet the requirements. Always check the latest USCIS announcements, but there is no indication that the program will be discontinued in the near future.

Q: Does the International Entrepreneur Rule lead to a green card or permanent visa? A: No, not directly. IER grants parole, which is a temporary permission to stay in the U.S. for up to 5 years at most (2.5 years initial, plus 2.5-year extension). It is not an immigrant visa or green card, and it cannot be converted automatically into one. If you want to stay permanently, you will need to transition to another status. Many IER entrepreneurs pursue options like the O-1 visa or H-1B visa, or apply for an EB-2 NIW or EB-1 green card, during their parole time. The IER is intended to kick-start your company in the U.S., after which you should plan for a longer-term solution. Think of IER as buying time and work authorization to grow your startup; you will still need to qualify for a traditional visa/green card later.

Q: What evidence is required for an International Entrepreneur Rule application? A: The application must thoroughly document each eligibility criterion. Key evidence includes:

• Company formation documents to prove the startup is recent and U.S.-based.
• Cap table or stock ownership records to show your ownership percentage (at least 10%).
• Investment documents (term sheets, investment agreements, wire transfers) or grant award letters proving the amounts of funding and the sources. You may also include investor profiles, portfolio details, or letters to establish that your investors qualify as “qualified investors” under the rule (e.g. evidence they’ve invested $600k+ in prior startups that achieved success).
• Evidence of your role: organizational charts, your resume and prior achievements, reference letters from board members or mentors explaining your role.
• Pitch decks, business plans, market research indicating the startup’s growth potential.
• Media articles, press releases, accolades about your startup or you as a founder.
• Traction metrics: user/customer growth data, revenue charts, contracts or letters from potential clients.
• Letters of support from government agencies, industry experts, or startup accelerators can also carry weight to show public benefit and potential. Essentially, you should treat it like a mini due-diligence package - prove to the U.S. government that your company is legitimate, innovative, and poised for success, and that you are integral to that success. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances. Weak or unsubstantiated claims (e.g. saying you’ll create jobs without evidence of how) will likely result in a denial or an RFE.

Q: Can I apply for the International Entrepreneur Rule if I don’t meet the $threshold funding criteria? A: Yes, you can still apply. The rule’s regulations explicitly allow an entrepreneur who only partially meets the funding criteria to be considered, as long as you provide “reliable and compelling” alternative evidence of the startup’s potential. For instance, maybe you raised only $150K instead of $250K, but since then your startup’s product has gained a huge user base or you secured a partnership with a major company. You would need to document those achievements. Every case is different - USCIS will weigh the total evidence. Just note that meeting or exceeding the investment/grant criteria makes approval much more likely (it’s a clear regulatory benchmark). Falling short means your burden of proof is higher to show in other ways that your company can succeed. It’s critical to be thorough in demonstrating traction if you go this route. In practice, many successful IER applicants either meet the dollar amounts or come very close and supplement with strong evidence.

Q: What happens if my startup fails or I leave the startup while on IER parole? A: Parole under IER is contingent on the startup. If the startup substantially changes such that it no longer meets the criteria (for example, it shuts down, or you sell your stake and depart), you could lose your basis for parole. USCIS can terminate parole if the conditions that warranted it are no longer met. There is a reporting requirement: you’re supposed to report to USCIS if certain material changes happen (like ownership changes, the company folding, etc.). In practical terms, if your startup fails, you should assume your IER parole will end and you’ll need to depart the U.S. (or quickly find another status if possible). There is no grace period defined specifically for IER like there is for some work visas, though USCIS might give a short notice. Similarly, if the company is acquired and you cease to play a role, your parole could end. Always plan ahead - if things aren’t going well, look into switching to another visa status before the startup fails. On the flip side, if the startup pivots or changes its name but is still essentially the same entity pursuing growth, that’s usually fine as long as the core eligibility (innovation, funding, your role) remains.

Q: How is the International Entrepreneur Rule different from a visa? A: The IER grants “parole” status, which is legally different from a visa status. A few key distinctions:

• A visa (like H-1B, O-1, etc.) is a nonimmigrant status defined by law, usually with more formal protections and a path to extension or change of status. Parole is a discretionary permission to be in the U.S. for a specific purpose. Think of parole as temporary admission.
• Parolees do not get visa stamps in their passports from this program (unless needed for travel documentation). Your proof is the USCIS parole document or I-94 record. If you travel abroad, you’ll need to obtain permission to re-parole (whereas visa holders would get a visa stamp).
• IER parole does not confer nonimmigrant status, so you cannot directly change from parole to another status within the U.S. via a simple form. You would usually have to apply for a visa (like H-1B, O-1) and then switch, potentially by leaving and re-entering with that visa. Parole is a unique state of being “legally present without status.”
• Work authorization for IER parolees is incident to the parole - meaning you can work for your startup without an EAD card, but only for your startup. For any other work, you are not authorized (except your spouse with a separate EAD). In summary, IER is flexible and fast to get you in the U.S. (no lottery, broad eligibility on paper), but it’s temporary and not as robust as a visa. Most people will use the parole time to transition to a standard visa if possible.

Q: How long does it take to get approval for the International Entrepreneur parole? A: Timelines can vary. USCIS processing for Form I-941 can range from 3 to 6+ months. There is currently no premium processing to expedite I-941. If USCIS issues an RFE, that can add a couple of months (you typically get 60-90 days to respond to an RFE, and then USCIS takes time to review the response). Once USCIS approves, if you are abroad, scheduling a consular appointment for travel documentation could take a few weeks more, and then travel and entry adds some time. Altogether, if things go smoothly, one might estimate around 4-8 months from application to actually being paroled into the U.S. Some cases might be faster, especially if USCIS speeds up as the program matures, or slower if complications arise. It’s recommended to apply as early as you can. Keep in mind also that you cannot start working for your startup in the U.S. until you have been granted parole - so during the waiting time you must either be abroad working remotely or in the U.S. in another legal status that permits working on your startup (which is tricky; many visas don’t allow “startup work” unless it’s passive). Often, founders will time the IER application with the end of school or another status.

Q: Is it possible to extend International Entrepreneur parole beyond 5 years or reapply? A: No, 5 years (in two increments) is the maximum. The regulation is clear on this. You cannot reapply for a new parole based on the same startup once you’ve had 5 years. The idea is that within 5 years, the startup should have grown enough for you to move into a different immigration status (or the need for parole ceases). If you’ve used less than 5 years (say you only took 2.5 and didn’t renew), you could potentially file a new I-941 if you have a different startup that meets the criteria and start the cycle again, but that would be a whole new case (and USCIS might scrutinize why you are switching companies). Doing another 5 years via a brand new startup isn’t explicitly prohibited, but it would be unusual. Generally, plan that you cannot stay on parole longer than five years total. After that, you must have transitioned to a visa or leave the U.S.

Q: Can the International Entrepreneur parole be revoked? A: Yes. Parole is discretionary and can be terminated if conditions are not met or for other reasons (misrepresentation, national security concerns, etc.). USCIS can revoke an approved I-941 or CBP can refuse entry at the border if new adverse information comes up. More commonly, if your startup no longer meets criteria or you violate the terms (e.g. work for another company), your parole can be ended. You do have some rights - USCIS would typically issue a notice of intent to terminate, giving you a chance to respond. But as a parolee, you are in a more fragile position than someone in a typical nonimmigrant status. It’s important to maintain the eligibility conditions: continue working full-time on your startup, keep the business active, and report major changes to USCIS as required. If you comply and your startup continues to show promise, you should not face revocation. The most common reason for early termination would be if an entrepreneur pivots away from the startup or the startup fails early.

Navigating the International Entrepreneur Rule can be complex, but it offers a unique opportunity to launch your venture in the U.S. If you believe in your startup’s potential, IER is a door worth knocking on. Always ensure you put together a thorough application, and consider consulting an immigration expert to strengthen your case. Gale has helped numerous founders evaluate their options - feel free to reach out to Gale for a consultation on your best immigration strategy. With the right approach, you can take your startup to the next level in the United States.